Painting Class

You will be graded on correctly assembling, stretching and Gesso-ing you canvas. (20 points)
Before you start it is recommended that you watch this video on the Weebly :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZdr2rgyD1g

Directions: How to Stretch a Canvas

1. Get 4 stretcher bars. 2 that are 12 inch & 2 that are 16 inch
2. Lay on table with the Word SAX on all 4 sides the bevel will be up.
3. Press slotted ends together then take a T square to make sure everything is at a right
90 degree angle. ( 5 points)
4. Staple edges so canvas does not move.
5. Cut your cotton fabric. We use cotton because it is the cheapest. Unfold the fabric on
your table find a corner. Place stretcher bars out on the canvas and line up with the
corner. Cut canvas to have about 2-3 inches extra around the stretcher bars. Youll need
at least a 16x20 section of fabric. A yard stick is helpful to measure to be sure you have
enough. Use scissors to cut. Dont mess up the cut because canvas is very expensive.
6. Align the weave of the canvas so it is parallel to stretcher bar.
7. Place one staple in the middle of the 4 sides of the stretcher.
8. Now go to a corner, place a staple in the corner.
9. Rotate to opposite corner and staple-clockwise as you staple each corner.
10. Now examine your canvas. There should be 1 set of staples in the middle of each
stretcher and 1 set of staples in each corner.
11. Now go back to the middle of each stretcher bar. Set another staple in the middle about
2 inches from the first staple.
12. Use legs or stomach as leverage and pull to get the canvas tight.
13. Go back around clockwise, placing staples 2 inches apart. Until you get to each corner.
14. DONT DO ONE SIDE AT A TIME. Work around. As you staple check the tightness
across.
15. Now you need to fold the edges of the corners to make them neat. Seam of corner should
run parallel to the edge of the wood. You dont want people to see the fold. Hide them by
using your thumb to pull it over even with the edge of the wood. Place two staples at each
side. (5 points)
16. Any strands of canvas should not be pulled off- cut them.
17. Hammer down any staples that are sticking out.
18. Smooth tight canvas that makes a good drum sound. ( 5 points)
19. Now you are ready to Gesso. Cover work space with newspaper. Set on an easel Use a
large gesso brush apply a even coat. Be sure to gesso the edges of the canvas. Wash
brush till is rinses clear. Let dry before you draw of paint on it.( 5 points)
20. Write name on back and year. Turn in for a grade before you start to paint. Canvas is due
April 28th.